Krulak's loving life at Villa Park

RANDY Lerner's right-hand man General Charles Krulak has spoken of the club's debt of gratitude to both Martin O'Neill and the supporters and revealed that the American directors are "the happiest Yanks in town".

RANDY Lerner's right-hand man General Charles Krulak has spoken of the club's debt of gratitude to both Martin O'Neill and the supporters and revealed that the American directors are "the happiest Yanks in town".

Lerner has promised significant transfer funds to the Villa boss, who is believed to have almost #30million available to make the club UEFA Cup challengers next season.

Krulak says the new board are all searching for bases in the Midlands to allow more time to direct Villa strategy.

"The fans need to know - and I think most of them do - that we're here for results: consistent winning on the pitch," said the Vietnam veteran.

"To do that, you've got to spend a little money. You've got to believe in your manager and you've got to have the fans there.

"Randy and I and the rest of the directors just had a great time last season.

"I don't think there's any group of Yanks happier than those of us who have been honoured to come over here and be involved with this club.

"None of us can wait for next season and that's why we're all getting places over here. You could say Randy owns the club. But I think he's more than an owner - he's now part of this club. You cut his wrists and I believe he would bleed claret and blue."

With season tickets selling at a record rate as they head towards their 23,000 target, Krulak says the fans will play a huge part in Villa's success.

"Anybody who was at the Sheffield United game saw the difference the fans make to the team. Fans have a major impact on what we do," Krulak added.

"If you ask Randy Lerner 'what are the ingredients for success?' he would tell you that you need the squad, the manager, the staff and then the umbrella over it is that fan who comes to Villa Park, cheers his team on, appreciates the hard work and appreciates the result.

"I think we saw that at the Sheffield United game. When the team came out and the supporters were waving the scarves around, there was no way Aston Villa Football Club wasn't going to win that game."

Krulak says Lerner will continue his low-level media approach.

"Randy is not somebody you're going to see on TV - that's not his style," he said. "He believes deeply in letting deeds speak for themselves.

"I think his deeds last season, whether it's coaches to Chelsea or the free scarves, give an indication that this is not just his club, it belongs to the fans."